Best Raft for River Floating

If you’re planning a river floating trip, choosing the right raft is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. Consider the size of your group, the river conditions, and the features you want in a raft. Here are some tips to help you choose the best raft for your river floating adventure⁚

Choosing the Right Size

The size of your raft will depend on the number of people in your group and the amount of gear you’ll be bringing. A good rule of thumb is to allow about 100 pounds of capacity per person. So, if you have a group of four people and 100 pounds of gear, you’ll need a raft with a capacity of at least 500 pounds.

It’s also important to consider the size of the river you’ll be floating on. If you’re floating on a small river, you’ll want a smaller raft that’s easier to maneuver. If you’re floating on a larger river, you can get away with a larger raft that will provide more space and stability.

Here are some general guidelines for choosing the right size raft⁚

• Small rafts (2-4 person)⁚ These rafts are ideal for small groups and floating on smaller rivers. They’re easy to maneuver and transport.
• Medium rafts (4-6 person)⁚ These rafts are a good choice for larger groups or for floating on larger rivers. They provide more space and stability than smaller rafts.
• Large rafts (6+ person)⁚ These rafts are best for large groups or for floating on very large rivers. They provide the most space and stability, but they can be more difficult to maneuver.

Once you’ve considered the size of your group, the amount of gear you’ll be bringing, and the size of the river you’ll be floating on, you can start shopping for the perfect raft for your river floating adventure.

Materials

Rafts are typically made from one of three materials⁚ PVC, Hypalon, or urethane. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• PVC⁚ PVC is the most common material used in rafts because it’s affordable, durable, and easy to repair. However, PVC can be damaged by sunlight and heat, so it’s important to store your raft in a cool, dark place when not in use.
• Hypalon⁚ Hypalon is a synthetic rubber that is more durable and resistant to sunlight and heat than PVC. However, Hypalon rafts are more expensive than PVC rafts.
• Urethane⁚ Urethane is the most durable and lightweight material used in rafts. However, urethane rafts are also the most expensive.

When choosing a material for your raft, consider your budget, how often you’ll be using the raft, and the conditions you’ll be floating in. If you’re on a budget or you’re not planning on using the raft very often, a PVC raft is a good choice. If you’re planning on using the raft frequently or you’ll be floating in rough conditions, a Hypalon or urethane raft is a better choice.

In addition to the material, you should also consider the construction of the raft. Rafts can be made with either a single-layer or a double-layer construction. Single-layer rafts are lighter and less expensive, but they’re also less durable. Double-layer rafts are more durable, but they’re also heavier and more expensive.

When choosing a construction for your raft, consider how often you’ll be using the raft and the conditions you’ll be floating in. If you’re planning on using the raft frequently or you’ll be floating in rough conditions, a double-layer raft is a better choice.

Features

Rafts come with a variety of features, so it’s important to choose a raft that has the features you want. Some of the most common features include⁚

• Oars⁚ Oars are used to propel the raft through the water. Rafts can come with either two or four oars.
• Paddles⁚ Paddles can be used to help maneuver the raft, especially in tight spaces. Paddles are also useful for swimming.
• Seats⁚ Rafts can come with a variety of seating options, including bench seats, bucket seats, and inflatable seats. Choose a seating option that is comfortable and provides good support.
• Storage⁚ Rafts can come with a variety of storage options, including dry bags, mesh bags, and coolers. Choose a raft with enough storage space for your gear.
• Cup holders⁚ Cup holders are a convenient place to store your drinks while you’re floating.
• Fishing rod holders⁚ Fishing rod holders are a convenient place to store your fishing rods while you’re floating.
• Bimini top⁚ A bimini top is a canopy that provides shade from the sun. Bimini tops are especially useful on hot days.

When choosing a raft, consider the features that are important to you. If you’re planning on doing a lot of fishing, you’ll want a raft with fishing rod holders. If you’re planning on floating in hot weather, you’ll want a raft with a bimini top.

It’s also important to consider the weight capacity of the raft. Rafts are typically rated for a certain number of people and a certain amount of weight. Make sure that the raft you choose is rated for the number of people and the amount of weight you’ll be carrying.

Accessories

In addition to the basic features, there are a number of accessories that can make your river floating trip more enjoyable. Some of the most common accessories include⁚

• Life jackets⁚ Life jackets are required by law in most areas. Make sure that you have a life jacket for each person on the raft.
• Whistles⁚ Whistles are a good way to signal for help in case of an emergency.
• Throw bags⁚ Throw bags are used to rescue someone who has fallen overboard.
• First-aid kit⁚ A first-aid kit is essential for treating minor injuries.
• Sunscreen⁚ Sunscreen is important for protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
• Sunglasses⁚ Sunglasses are important for protecting your eyes from the sun’s glare.
• Hats⁚ Hats are important for protecting your head from the sun’s heat.
• Water shoes⁚ Water shoes are important for protecting your feet from sharp objects in the water.
• Cooler⁚ A cooler is a good way to keep your food and drinks cold.
• Dry bag⁚ A dry bag is a good way to keep your belongings dry.
• Pump⁚ A pump is used to inflate and deflate the raft.
• Repair kit⁚ A repair kit is used to fix small leaks in the raft.

When choosing accessories, consider the type of river floating you’ll be doing; If you’re planning on doing a lot of whitewater rafting, you’ll need more safety gear, such as helmets and throw bags. If you’re planning on doing a more leisurely float, you may not need as much gear.